San Francisco 49ers linebacker NaVorro Bowman (53) returns an interception eighty-nine yards for a victory-clinching touchdown during the fourth quarter of the game between the San Francisco 49ers and Atlanta Falcons at Candlestick Park on Monday December 23, 2013 in San Francisco, Calif.

Photo: Michael Macor, The Chronicle

San Francisco 49ers linebacker NaVorro Bowman (53) returns an...

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San Francisco 49ers cornerback Tramaine Brock (26) and Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Harry Douglas (83) wrestle for a pass during the fourth quarter of the game between the San Francisco 49ers and Atlanta Falcons at Candlestick Park on Monday December 23, 2013 in San Francisco, Calif. The pass was intercepted by San Francisco 49ers linebacker NaVorro Bowman (53) and returned for an eighty-nine yard touchdown.

Photo: Michael Macor, The Chronicle

San Francisco 49ers cornerback Tramaine Brock (26) and Atlanta...

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San Francisco 49ers linebacker Patrick Willis (52) celebrates after a tackle in which his helmet was knocked off, during the fourth quarter of the game between the San Francisco 49ers and Atlanta Falcons at Candlestick Park on Monday December 23, 2013 in San Francisco, Calif.

Juan Benavides displays his 49ers-themed tattoo before a 49ers game against the Atlanta Falcons at Candlestick Park on December 23, 2013 in San Francisco, Calif. This will be the last regular-season game at Candlestick Park.

Photo: Pete Kiehart, The Chronicle

Juan Benavides displays his 49ers-themed tattoo before a 49ers game...

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Fans start to fill the seats before the San Francisco 49ers play the Atlanta Falcons during a Monday Night Football game which will be the last regular season game to be held at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, CA, Monday, December 23, 2013.

Photo: Michael Short, The Chronicle

Fans start to fill the seats before the San Francisco 49ers play...

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A general view of the stadium as the San Francisco 49ers play the Atlanta Falcons during a Monday Night Football game which will be the last regular season game to be held at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, CA, Monday, December 23, 2013.

Photo: Michael Short, The Chronicle

A general view of the stadium as the San Francisco 49ers play the...

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Air Force personnel hold a large flag during the singing of the National Anthem on the field before a 49ers game against the Atlanta Falcons at Candlestick Park on December 23, 2013 in San Francisco, Calif. This will be the last regular-season game at Candlestick Park.

Photo: Pete Kiehart, The Chronicle

Air Force personnel hold a large flag during the singing of the...

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San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Michael Crabtree (15) catches a pass during the first quarter of the game between the San Francisco 49ers and Atlanta Falcons at Candlestick Park on Monday December 23, 2013 in San Francisco, Calif. The play was negated due to offensive pass interference.

Photo: Michael Macor, The Chronicle

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Michael Crabtree (15) catches a...

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Michael East takes in the view as the first to arrive in section 59 before a 49ers game against the Atlanta Falcons at Candlestick Park on December 23, 2013 in San Francisco, Calif. This will be the last regular-season game at Candlestick Park.

Photo: Pete Kiehart, The Chronicle

Michael East takes in the view as the first to arrive in section 59...

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Fans purchase concessions before a 49ers game against the Atlanta Falcons at Candlestick Park on December 23, 2013 in San Francisco, Calif. This will be the last regular-season game at Candlestick Park.

Photo: Pete Kiehart, The Chronicle

Fans purchase concessions before a 49ers game against the Atlanta...

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Pat Ryan displays his ticket from the 1981 NFC Championship Game during a 49ers game against the Atlanta Falcons at Candlestick Park on December 23, 2013 in San Francisco, Calif. Ryan said this was his 34th year attending games. This will be the last regular-season game at Candlestick Park.

Photo: Pete Kiehart, The Chronicle

Pat Ryan displays his ticket from the 1981 NFC Championship Game...

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In this composite image made from four separate frames, Candlestick Park is seen illuminated on Monday, Dec. 23, 2013, in San Francisco, Calif. The San Francisco 49ers and Atlanta Falcons play tonight in the last football game at Candlestick.

Photo: Michael Short, The Chronicle

In this composite image made from four separate frames, Candlestick...

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Atlanta Falcons running back Jacquizz Rodgers (32) goes down after a collision with San Francisco 49ers linebacker Patrick Willis (52) and San Francisco 49ers linebacker NaVorro Bowman (53) during the second quarter of the game between the San Francisco 49ers and Atlanta Falcons at Candlestick Park on Monday December 23, 2013 in San Francisco, Calif.

Photo: Michael Macor, The Chronicle

Atlanta Falcons running back Jacquizz Rodgers (32) goes down after...

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San Francisco 49ers running back Frank Gore (21) is tackled by Atlanta Falcons outside linebacker Stephen Nicholas (54) and Atlanta Falcons outside linebacker Joplo Bartu (59) during the second quarter of the game between the San Francisco 49ers and Atlanta Falcons at Candlestick Park on Monday December 23, 2013 in San Francisco, Calif.

Photo: Michael Macor, The Chronicle

San Francisco 49ers running back Frank Gore (21) is tackled by...

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Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) gestures to his offense during the second quarter of the game between the San Francisco 49ers and Atlanta Falcons at Candlestick Park on Monday December 23, 2013 in San Francisco, Calif.

Photo: Michael Macor, The Chronicle

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) gestures to his offense...

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San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) attempts a pass while under pressure during the second quarter of the game between the San Francisco 49ers and Atlanta Falcons at Candlestick Park on Monday December 23, 2013 in San Francisco, Calif.

Photo: Michael Macor, The Chronicle

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) attempts a...

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San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) takes a hit after unloading a pass during the first quarter against the Atlanta Falcons at Candlestick Park on Monday, Dec. 23, 2013 in San Francisco, Calif.

Photo: Beck Diefenbach, For The Chronicle

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) takes a hit...

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San Francisco 49ers tight end Vance McDonald (89) dives for a pass during the second quarter of the game between the San Francisco 49ers and Atlanta Falcons at Candlestick Park on Monday December 23, 2013 in San Francisco, Calif. The pass feel incomplete.

Photo: Michael Macor, The Chronicle

San Francisco 49ers tight end Vance McDonald (89) dives for a pass...

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San Francisco 49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh gestures during the second quarter of the game between the San Francisco 49ers and Atlanta Falcons at Candlestick Park on Monday December 23, 2013 in San Francisco, Calif.

Photo: Michael Macor, The Chronicle

San Francisco 49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh gestures during the...

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San Francisco 49ers cornerback Carlos Rogers (22) and linebacker NaVorro Bowman (53) break up a pass intended for Atlanta Falcons tight end Tony Gonzalez (88) during the 2nd quarter of Monday night's game on Dec. 23, 2013 in San Francisco, Calif.

Photo: John Storey, For The Chronicle

San Francisco 49ers cornerback Carlos Rogers (22) and linebacker...

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San Francisco 49ers linebacker Patrick Willis (52) argues a call during the 2nd quarter on Monday, Dec. 23, 2013 in San Francisco, Calif.

Richard Habib gets emotional as he sits in his seat after the San Francisco 49ers defeated the Atlanta Falcons during a Monday Night Football game which will be the last regular season game to be held at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, CA, Monday, December 23, 2013.

San Francisco 49ers running back Anthony Dixon (24) hugs a fan after the San Francisco 49ers defeated the Atlanta Falcons at Candlestick Park on Monday December 23, 2013 in San Francisco, Calif. It is the last home game the 49ers will have at Candlestick Park before the stadium is demolished.

Photo: Michael Macor, The Chronicle

San Francisco 49ers running back Anthony Dixon (24) hugs a fan...

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San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) walks off the field after the 49ers defeated the Atlanta Falcons at Candlestick Park on Monday December 23, 2013 in San Francisco, Calif. It is the last home game the 49ers will have at Candlestick Park before the stadium is demolished.

Photo: Michael Macor, The Chronicle

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) walks off the...

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San Francisco 49ers running back Anthony Dixon (24) gestures toward the home fans after the San Francisco 49ers defeated the Atlanta Falcons at Candlestick Park on Monday December 23, 2013 in San Francisco, Calif. It is the last home game the 49ers will have at Candlestick Park before the stadium is demolished.

San Francisco 49ers running back Anthony Dixon (24) gestures toward the home fans after the San Francisco 49ers defeated the Atlanta Falcons at Candlestick Park on Monday December 23, 2013 in San Francisco, Calif. It is the last home game the 49ers will have at Candlestick Park before the stadium is demolished.

San Francisco 49ers running back Kendall Hunter (32) runs for 45 yards in the 4th quarter against the Atlanta Falcons on Monday, Dec. 23, 2013 in San Francisco, Calif.

Photo: John Storey, For The Chronicle

San Francisco 49ers running back Kendall Hunter (32) runs for 45...

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Former San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jerry Rice, center, shakes hands with former San Francisco 49ers owner Edward DeBartolo during a post-game ceremony after the game between the San Francisco 49ers and Atlanta Falcons at Candlestick Park on Monday December 23, 2013 in San Francisco, Calif. The 49ers defeated the Falcons, 34-24, in the last home game the 49ers will have at Candlestick Park before the stadium is demolished.

Fans enjoy the fireworks after the 49ers beat the Falcons during the last game at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Calif., on December 23rd, 2013.

Photo: John Storey, Special To The Chronicle

Fans enjoy the fireworks after the 49ers beat the Falcons during...

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San Francisco 49ers linebacker Patrick Willis (52), who had 18 tackles in Monday night's game against the Atlanta Falcons on Monday, Dec. 23, 2013 in San Francisco, Calif.

Photo: John Storey, For The Chronicle

San Francisco 49ers linebacker Patrick Willis (52), who had 18...

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San Francisco 49ers running back Frank Gore (21) is congratulated by teammates after scoring a 1 yard touchdown in the 4th quarter against the Atlanta Falcons making the score 27-17 on Monday, Dec. 23, 2013 in San Francisco, Calif.

Photo: John Storey, For The Chronicle

San Francisco 49ers running back Frank Gore (21) is congratulated...

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Fireworks at the stadium after 49ers beat the Atlanta Falcons during the last game at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Calif., on December 23rd, 2013.

Photo: John Storey, Special To The Chronicle

Fireworks at the stadium after 49ers beat the Atlanta Falcons...

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Damien Rhodes, left, throws a ball before the game at Candlestick Park on Monday, Dec. 23, 2013. The San Francisco 49ers hosted the Atlanta Falcons at one of their last games at Candlestick Park.

Photo: James Tensuan, Special To The Chronicle

Damien Rhodes, left, throws a ball before the game at Candlestick...

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Jeff Eldridge, left, and Walt Daoro prepare their table for the tailgate before the game at Candlestick Park on Monday, Dec. 23, 2013. The San Francisco 49ers hosted the Atlanta Falcons at one of their last games at Candlestick Park.

Photo: James Tensuan, Special To The Chronicle

Jeff Eldridge, left, and Walt Daoro prepare their table for the...

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as the San Francisco 49ers play the Atlanta Falcons during a Monday Night Football game which will be the last regular season game to be held at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, CA, Monday, December 23, 2013.

Photo: Michael Short, The Chronicle

as the San Francisco 49ers play the Atlanta Falcons during a Monday...

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San Francisco 49ers running back Frank Gore (21) scores on a 1 yard run in the 4th quarter against the Atlanta Falcons on Monday, Dec. 23, 2013 in San Francisco, Calif.

Photo: Beck Diefenbach, For The Chronicle

San Francisco 49ers running back Frank Gore (21) scores on a 1 yard...

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San Francisco 49ers cornerback Tramaine Brock (26), center, intercepts a Hail Mary pass thrown by Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2), (not pictured), at the conclusion of the game between the San Francisco 49ers and Atlanta Falcons at Candlestick Park on Monday December 23, 2013 in San Francisco, Calif. The 49ers defeated the Falcons, 34-24, in the last home game the 49ers will have at Candlestick Park before the stadium is demolished.

Photo: Michael Macor, The Chronicle

San Francisco 49ers cornerback Tramaine Brock (26), center,...

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"Dr. Voodoo" poses for a portrait in the before a 49ers game against the Atlanta Falcons at Candlestick Park on December 23, 2013 in San Francisco, Calif. This will be the last regular-season game at Candlestick Park.

Photo: Pete Kiehart, The Chronicle

"Dr. Voodoo" poses for a portrait in the before a 49ers game...

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Fans start arriving across a foot bridge at CandleStick Park as the San Francisco 49ers prepare to play the Atlanta Falcons during a Monday Night Football game which will be the last regular season game to be held at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, CA, Monday, December 23, 2013.

Photo: Michael Short, The Chronicle

Fans start arriving across a foot bridge at CandleStick Park as the...

Boyz II Men performs during a post-game ceremony after the game between the San Francisco 49ers and Atlanta Falcons at Candlestick Park on Monday December 23, 2013 in San Francisco, Calif. The 49ers defeated the Falcons, 34-24, in the last home game the 49ers will have at Candlestick Park before the stadium is demolished.

Former San Francisco 49ers owner Edward DeBartolo hugs current San Francisco 49ers CEO Jed York during a post-game ceremony after the game between the San Francisco 49ers and Atlanta Falcons at Candlestick Park on Monday December 23, 2013 in San Francisco, Calif. The 49ers defeated the Falcons, 34-24, in the last home game the 49ers will have at Candlestick Park before the stadium is demolished.

Photo: Michael Macor, The Chronicle

Former San Francisco 49ers owner Edward DeBartolo hugs current San...

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Former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Steve Young, center, speaks during a post-game ceremony after the game between the San Francisco 49ers and Atlanta Falcons at Candlestick Park on Monday December 23, 2013 in San Francisco, Calif. The 49ers defeated the Falcons, 34-24, in the last home game the 49ers will have at Candlestick Park before the stadium is demolished.

Photo: Michael Macor, The Chronicle

Former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Steve Young, center, speaks...

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On the final regular season game and potentially the last football game at Candlestick Park, Evan McDonald of San Diego throws his hands up in a moment of glory as the 49ers score a touchdown in the final minutes of the game against the Atalanta Falcons on Monday Dec. 23, 2013 in San Francisco Calif.

Photo: Mike Kepka, The Chronicle

On the final regular season game and potentially the last football...

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A girl stands next to a sign at a concession stand as the San Francisco 49ers play the Atlanta Falcons during a Monday Night Football game which will be the last regular season game to be held at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, CA, Monday, December 23, 2013.

Photo: Michael Short, The Chronicle

A girl stands next to a sign at a concession stand as the San...

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Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Roddy White (84) and San Francisco 49ers cornerback Tarell Brown (25) wrestle for a pass that fell incomplete during the first quarter of the game between the San Francisco 49ers and Atlanta Falcons at Candlestick Park on Monday December 23, 2013 in San Francisco, Calif.

Photo: Michael Macor, The Chronicle

Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Roddy White (84) and San Francisco...

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Atlanta Falcons running back Jacquizz Rodgers (32) is gang tackled by San Francisco 49ers Anthony Dixon (24) and San Francisco 49ers defensive end Tony Jerod-Eddie (63) during the first quarter of the game between the San Francisco 49ers and Atlanta Falcons at Candlestick Park on Monday December 23, 2013 in San Francisco, Calif.

Photo: Michael Macor, The Chronicle

Atlanta Falcons running back Jacquizz Rodgers (32) is gang tackled...

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Tony Fazzio of Santa Clara takes a phone picture of the stadium as the San Francisco 49ers play the Atlanta Falcons during a Monday Night Football game which will be the last regular season game to be held at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, CA, Monday, December 23, 2013.

Photo: Michael Short, The Chronicle

Tony Fazzio of Santa Clara takes a phone picture of the stadium as...

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Fireworks go off at Candlestick Park to celebrate the San Francisco 49ers last game at the park on Monday, Dec. 23, 2013. The San Francisco 49ers hosted the Atlanta Falcons at one of their last games at Candlestick Park.

Photo: James Tensuan, Special To The Chronicle

Fireworks go off at Candlestick Park to celebrate the San Francisco...

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A fan holds a seat that he removed after a 49ers game against the Atlanta Falcons at Candlestick Park on December 23, 2013 in San Francisco, Calif. The fan was later persuaded to leave the seat behind by another individual. This will be the last regular-season game at Candlestick Park.

Photo: Pete Kiehart, The Chronicle

A fan holds a seat that he removed after a 49ers game against the...

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Fireworks go off at Candlestick Park to celebrate the San Francisco 49ers last game at the park on Monday, Dec. 23, 2013. The San Francisco 49ers hosted the Atlanta Falcons at one of their last games at Candlestick Park.

Photo: James Tensuan, Special To The Chronicle

Fireworks go off at Candlestick Park to celebrate the San Francisco...

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Fireworks at the stadium after 49ers beat the Atlanta Falcons during the last game at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Calif., on December 23rd, 2013.

Photo: John Storey, Special To The Chronicle

Fireworks at the stadium after 49ers beat the Atlanta Falcons...

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Fireworks light up the sky at the end of the game, as the San Francisco 49ers beat the Atlanta Falcons 34-24 during at the final season game at Candlestick Park on Monday Dec. 23, 2013 in San Francisco.

Photo: Michael Macor, The Chronicle

Fireworks light up the sky at the end of the game, as the San...

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Rose Marie, left, and Anna Marie Lujan celebrate the last game at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Calif. on Monday, Dec. 23, 2013. The twins have been coming to the park since they were 13 and now they are 58, The San Francisco 49ers hosted the Atlanta Falcons at one of their last games at Candlestick Park.

Photo: James Tensuan, Special To The Chronicle

Rose Marie, left, and Anna Marie Lujan celebrate the last game at...

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Former 49ers player Steve Young (right) and commentator Chris Berman talk during farewell fireworks following the game, Monday, December 23, 2013 in San Francisco, Calif.

Photo: Beck Diefenbach, Special To The Chronicle

Former 49ers player Steve Young (right) and commentator Chris...

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A fan is arrested at Candlestick Park after San Francisco 49ers last game at the park in San Francisco, Calif. on Monday Dec. 23, 2013. The San Francisco 49ers hosted the Atlanta Falcons at one of their last games at Candlestick Park.

Photo: James Tensuan, Special To The Chronicle

A fan is arrested at Candlestick Park after San Francisco 49ers...

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A fan stands next to two seats that were dismantled for souvenirs after a 49ers game against the Atlanta Falcons at Candlestick Park on December 23, 2013 in San Francisco, Calif. This will be the last regular-season game at Candlestick Park.

Photo: Pete Kiehart, The Chronicle

A fan stands next to two seats that were dismantled for souvenirs...

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Patrick Willis, who had 18 tackles, had cause for celebration as the 49ers closed Candlestick Park with a thrilling victory.

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Anquan Boldin (81) is brought down after a reception during the third quarter of the game between the San Francisco 49ers and Atlanta Falcons at Candlestick Park on Monday December 23, 2013 in San Francisco, Calif.

Photo: Michael Macor, The Chronicle

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Anquan Boldin (81) is brought...

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San Francisco 49ers linebacker Patrick Willis (52), who had 18 tackles in Monday night's game against the Atlanta Falcons on Monday, Dec. 23, 2013 in San Francisco, Calif.

Photo: John Storey, For The Chronicle

San Francisco 49ers linebacker Patrick Willis (52), who had 18...

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iSan Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) is tackled by Atlanta Falcons cornerback Robert Alford (23) during the third quarter of the game between the San Francisco 49ers and Atlanta Falcons at Candlestick Park on Monday December 23, 2013 in San Francisco, Calif.

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Michael Crabtree (15) celebrates after a reception during the third quarter of the game between the San Francisco 49ers and Atlanta Falcons at Candlestick Park on Monday December 23, 2013 in San Francisco, Calif.

Photo: Michael Macor, The Chronicle

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Michael Crabtree (15) celebrates...

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Atlanta Falcons fullback Jason Snelling (44) recovers an onside kick during the fourth quarter of the game between the San Francisco 49ers and Atlanta Falcons at Candlestick Park on Monday December 23, 2013 in San Francisco, Calif. The kick recovery put the Falcons in superb position to tie the game, but Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) threw an interception soon after.

Photo: Michael Macor, The Chronicle

Atlanta Falcons fullback Jason Snelling (44) recovers an onside...

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San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Michael Crabtree (15) avoids oncoming tacklers Atlanta Falcons cornerback Robert Alford (23) and Atlanta Falcons strong safety William Moore (25) during the third quarter of the game between the San Francisco 49ers and Atlanta Falcons at Candlestick Park on Monday December 23, 2013 in San Francisco, Calif.

Photo: Michael Macor, The Chronicle

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Michael Crabtree (15) avoids...

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Atlanta Falcons punter Matt Bosher (5) and Atlanta Falcons fullback Jason Snelling (44) celebrate after Snelling recovered an onside kick during the fourth quarter of the game between the San Francisco 49ers and Atlanta Falcons at Candlestick Park on Monday December 23, 2013 in San Francisco, Calif.

Atlanta Falcons tight end Tony Gonzalez (88) is tackled by San Francisco 49ers safety Donte Whitner (31) during the fourth quarter of the game between the San Francisco 49ers and Atlanta Falcons at Candlestick Park on Monday December 23, 2013 in San Francisco, Calif.

Photo: Michael Macor, The Chronicle

Atlanta Falcons tight end Tony Gonzalez (88) is tackled by San...

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San Francisco 49ers linebacker Patrick Willis (52) celebrates after a tackle in which his helmet was knocked off, during the fourth quarter of the game between the San Francisco 49ers and Atlanta Falcons at Candlestick Park on Monday December 23, 2013 in San Francisco, Calif.

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) scores a touchdown on a four yard run during the fourth quarter of the game between the San Francisco 49ers and Atlanta Falcons at Candlestick Park on Monday December 23, 2013 in San Francisco, Calif.

Photo: Michael Macor, The Chronicle

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) scores a...

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San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Michael Crabtree (15) evades defenders as he gains forty-seven yards on a reception during the third quarter of the game between the San Francisco 49ers and Atlanta Falcons at Candlestick Park on Monday December 23, 2013 in San Francisco, Calif.

Photo: Michael Macor, The Chronicle

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Michael Crabtree (15) evades...

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San Francisco 49ers running back Kendall Hunter (32) gains forty-five yards on a key run during the fourth quarter of the game between the San Francisco 49ers and Atlanta Falcons at Candlestick Park on Monday December 23, 2013 in San Francisco, Calif.

Photo: Michael Macor / The Chronicle

San Francisco 49ers running back Kendall Hunter (32) gains...

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San Francisco 49ers running back Kendall Hunter (32) gains forty-five yards on a key run during the fourth quarter of the game between the San Francisco 49ers and Atlanta Falcons at Candlestick Park on Monday December 23, 2013 in San Francisco, Calif.

Photo: Michael Macor, The Chronicle

San Francisco 49ers running back Kendall Hunter (32) gains...

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San Francisco 49ers' head coach Jim Harbaugh yells instructions during the 2nd quarter of Monday night's game against the Atlanta Falcons on Dec. 23, 2013 in San Francisco, Calif.

Photo: John Storey, For The Chronicle

San Francisco 49ers' head coach Jim Harbaugh yells instructions...

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San Francisco 49ers running back Kendall Hunter (32) gains forty-five yards on a key run during the fourth quarter of the game between the San Francisco 49ers and Atlanta Falcons at Candlestick Park on Monday December 23, 2013 in San Francisco, Calif.

Photo: Michael Macor, The Chronicle

San Francisco 49ers running back Kendall Hunter (32) gains...

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San Francisco 49ers running back Frank Gore (21) runs during the fourth quarter of the game between the San Francisco 49ers and Atlanta Falcons at Candlestick Park on Monday December 23, 2013 in San Francisco, Calif.

Photo: Michael Macor, The Chronicle

San Francisco 49ers running back Frank Gore (21) runs during the...

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San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) runs toward the crowd to celebrate after scoring a touchdown on a four yard run during the fourth quarter of the game between the San Francisco 49ers and Atlanta Falcons at Candlestick Park on Monday December 23, 2013 in San Francisco, Calif.

Photo: Michael Macor, The Chronicle

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) runs toward...

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San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) celebrates after scoring a touchdown on a four yard run during the fourth quarter of the game between the San Francisco 49ers and Atlanta Falcons at Candlestick Park on Monday December 23, 2013 in San Francisco, Calif.

Photo: Michael Macor, The Chronicle

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) celebrates...

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San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) scores a touchdown on a four yard run during the fourth quarter of the game between the San Francisco 49ers and Atlanta Falcons at Candlestick Park on Monday December 23, 2013 in San Francisco, Calif.

San Francisco 49ers running back Frank Gore (21) is tackled by Atlanta Falcons outside linebacker Stephen Nicholas (54) and Atlanta Falcons outside linebacker Joplo Bartu (59) during the third quarter of the game between the San Francisco 49ers and Atlanta Falcons at Candlestick Park on Monday December 23, 2013 in San Francisco, Calif.

Photo: Michael Macor, The Chronicle

San Francisco 49ers running back Frank Gore (21) is tackled by...

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San Francisco 49ers running back Frank Gore (21) picks up yardage in the first quarter of Monday night's game against the Atlanta Falcons on Dec. 23, 2013 in San Francisco, Calif.

Photo: Beck Diefenbach, For The Chronicle

San Francisco 49ers running back Frank Gore (21) picks up yardage...

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San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) drops back to pass in the first quarter against the Atlanta Falcons on Monday, Dec. 23, 2013 in San Francisco, Calif.

Photo: Beck Diefenbach, For The Chronicle

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) drops back to...

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San Francisco 49ers linebacker Patrick Willis (52) breaks up a pass intended for Atlanta Falcons tight end Tony Gonzalez (88) during the second quarter at Candlestick Park on Monday, Dec. 23, 2013 in San Francisco, Calif.

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Michael Crabtree (15) gains forty-seven yards on a reception during the third quarter of the game between the San Francisco 49ers and Atlanta Falcons at Candlestick Park on Monday December 23, 2013 in San Francisco, Calif.

Photo: Michael Macor, The Chronicle

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Michael Crabtree (15) gains...

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San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Michael Crabtree (15) drops a pass as Atlanta Falcons cornerback Desmond Trufant (21) looks on during the third quarter of the game between the San Francisco 49ers and Atlanta Falcons at Candlestick Park on Monday December 23, 2013 in San Francisco, Calif.

Photo: Michael Macor, The Chronicle

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Michael Crabtree (15) drops a...

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San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Michael Crabtree (15) gains forty-seven yards on a reception during the third quarter of the game between the San Francisco 49ers and Atlanta Falcons at Candlestick Park on Monday December 23, 2013 in San Francisco, Calif.

Photo: Michael Macor, The Chronicle

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Michael Crabtree (15) gains...

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San Francisco 49ers running back Kendall Hunter (32) during a run in the second quarter of the game between the San Francisco 49ers and Atlanta Falcons at Candlestick Park on Monday December 23, 2013 in San Francisco, Calif.

Photo: Michael Macor, The Chronicle

San Francisco 49ers running back Kendall Hunter (32) during a run...

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San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) prepares to pass in the first quarter against the Atlanta Falcons on Monday, Dec. 23, 2013 in San Francisco, Calif.

Photo: Beck Diefenbach, For The Chronicle

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) prepares to...

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Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) hands off to Steven Jackson during the first quarter in Monday night's game at Candlestick Park on Dec. 23, 2013 in San Francisco, Calif.

In the final regular-season game at Candlestick Park on Monday night, the 49ers' All-Pro inside linebacker returned a deflected pass 89 yards for a touchdown with 1:10 left to seal a 34-24 win over the Falcons, clinch a playoff berth and send 69,732 nostalgic fans home happy.

The 49ers (11-4), who were facing the specter of missing the postseason if they lost their final two games, now have a slim chance of winning their third straight NFC West title. They can claim the division if they win at Arizona (10-5) on Sunday and St. Louis (7-8) beats the Seahawks (12-3) in Seattle.

On Monday, it was Bowman who changed their fortunes.

"That's the best thing I've ever seen happen in a football game," 49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh said. "It might have been close to The Catch."

Said a smiling Bowman, whose first interception of the season came at an opportune time and matched his 2012 pick total: "I'm good for one of those a year."

This one, however, will go down as one of the most memorable in Candlestick history given the moment.

The Falcons (4-11), who trailed by 10 points with 5:04 remaining, were down 27-24 and, thanks to a recovered onside kick, were improbably driving for a game-winning touchdown.

On 2nd-and-1 at San Francisco's 10-yard line, however, quarterback Matt Ryan's slant pass to wideout Harry Douglas was batted in the air by cornerback Tramaine Brock. Bowman snagged the deflection and, followed by a caravan of teammates, sprinted untouched into the end zone, where he landed with a celebratory leap as Candlestick rocked.

"I thought I was going to come down with it, but then Bo took it and got out of there," Brock said. "... At first, I was just playing football. Then I realized either they could have won or tied the game. That's when I realized it was a very big play."

It was the latest big play for Bowman, whose batted pass in the waning moments of last season's NFC Championship Game against the Falcons sent the 49ers to the Super Bowl. On Monday night, though, it appeared he could be the goat when he whiffed on Atlanta's onside kick and it was recovered by running back Jason Snelling at San Francisco's 30-yard line with 2:09 left.

"He made up for what happened before that," wide receiver Michael Crabtree said. "It was a big play."

Said safety Donte Whitner: "God was on his side today. ... He caught the ball and ran it in and now we're going to the playoffs. ... (As he was running) I'm just thinking, 'We won the football game.' We're going to the playoffs and thank goodness we made this play because it was starting to look a little dim for a minute."

Before the 49ers' offense awoke in the second half, it was looking dim at halftime. The Falcons led 10-3 and the Niners had managed five first downs and 113 yards against the NFL's 29th-ranked defense.

Fittingly, on a nostalgic night that brought out two of the best all-time players in their respective sports - Willie Mays and Jerry Rice - the 49ers forcefully responded in the second half with some serious star power.

In the final two quarters, quarterback Colin Kaepernick threw a 10-yard touchdown to Anquan Bolin and had a 4-yard scoring run, wide receiver Michael Crabtree had 99 of his 102 receiving yards and running back Frank Gore had 61 of his 97 rushing yards. Gore gave the 49ers a 27-17 lead on a 1-yard run with 5:04 left.

In the second half, the 49ers had 15 first downs, 266 yards and 24 offensive points.

"We made some adjustments at halftime and I thought our guys really came out smoking in the second half, offensively and defensively," Harbaugh said.

For his part, Harbaugh was on the sideline sprinting toward the south end zone as Bowman took off with his game-sealing interception. Harbaugh eventually met Bowman as he came off the field and thanked the linebacker for a memorable gift on his 50th birthday.

"That's the best birthday present I've ever gotten," Harbaugh said. "Second only to being born. That was awesome."